Chapter 14: I gave my anxious childhood friend a last kiss on the school trip

I gave my anxious childhood friend a last kiss on the school trip

I got up after taking a deep breath several times.

As I descended the stairs, Aya’s father came out of the bathroom next to the entrance.

“Ah, I’ll take a shower.”

I nodded slightly and lowered my head.

For some reason, it felt oddly awkward.

Probably because I had been hugging Aya just a while ago.

Strangely, Aya’s father also seemed to be looking at me with an awkward expression.

“Ah, Boyan…”

“Yes…”

He was staring intensely.

“Rotating sushi or a family restaurant, which one do you prefer?”

I didn’t understand why it had to be one of those two options.

I didn’t understand, but I’d definitely choose the family restaurant.

For some reason, I felt like Aya would want to go to a family restaurant right now.

“Family restaurant, I guess.”

“Boyan too, huh…”

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He looked down, disappointment evident.

Most likely, the entire family had expressed a preference for the family restaurant.

Aya’s father likes conveyor belt sushi.

I hope to someday go there with him alone.

Entering the restroom, I saw a drum-type washing machine in operation.

It was a different model from the last time I was at their house.

They must have replaced it in the past few years.

Inside the washing machine, Aya’s familiar clothes were tumbling around.

I guess they just tossed in all the clothes drenched in sweat and various other liquids.

Amid the spinning clothes, I caught sight of a white bra. Thanks for reading on ManaNovel!

The one she wore on the first night when I pushed Aya down…

“Calm down, me…”

I entered the bathroom, undressed, and stood under the cold water shower.

- - -

We all got into Aya’s father’s car.

Aya’s mother sat in the front seat.

In the backseat, it was Aya, me, and Hiroto-kun in that order.

It seemed a bit embarrassing for siblings to sit next to each other.

We were heading to a family restaurant where Aya’s family often dines.

It was located about a ten-minute drive from Aya’s house.

I had gone there a few times with their family before.

Though this was the first time since becoming a high school student.

Aya was dressed the same way as after her bath.

She wore an orange short-sleeved hoodie on top and black shorts on the bottom.

I felt like Aya’s waist and arms were pressing against me a bit too closely.

The right half of my body that was in contact with Aya felt strangely warm.

The car stopped at a red light.

Aya’s mother murmured while looking out of the left window.

“Oh, did that clothing store over there close down?”

Aya leaned towards me and asked, “Where? Oh, it’s true.”

We strained our eyes to follow her mother’s gaze.

Then it happened.

Aya’s palm overlapped with the back of my hand.

She did it casually, as if it was the breeze.

Through her slightly sweaty palm, Aya’s thoughts reached me.

“How about it, Boyan? Pay a little attention.”

No, I’m giving it a lot of attention already.

Surrounded by family in her father’s car, in this homely space.

Aya had subtly attempted something, growing a bit bolder.

I couldn’t sense any calculated manipulation.

Her profile as she looked out the window seemed slightly embarrassed.

She appeared to regret what she had initiated herself.

Her emotions were fully revealed.

It’s too adorable.

-Calm down.

I understand.

I shouldn’t be swayed by such a childlike temptation.

I understand that.

However…

Right now, I’m completely out of my element.

Surrounded by Aya’s family, I felt a bit tense.

Having taken a refreshing shower, I was slightly more relaxed.

The “See you later” from earlier still burned in my heart.

As a result…

I turned completely red.

The light turned green, and the car started moving.

Aya glanced at me as she returned to her seat, then quickly averted her gaze.

Her palm also withdrew in an instant.

Without a word, Aya turned towards the window.

“Hey, Boyan, are you sweating a lot?” Hiroto, on my left side, bluntly pointed out what he saw.

I wish he wouldn’t.

“Oh… Maybe because I just took a shower.”

Aya’s mother glanced at me through the rearview mirror.

“Oh my, are you feeling dizzy? Your face is red.”

“Maybe, yeah… I guess.”

Aya’s father also cast a quick glance at me through the rearview mirror.

“Should I turn up the air conditioning?”

“Oh no, don’t bother…!”

I was stumbling over my words.

As for Aya, she was facing away, looking out the window.

Through our pressed shoulders, I could sense her emotions flowing in.

-Boyan, you’re really shaken up. Why?

Why now?

He’s always so composed.

Why only in moments like this?

Boyan’s expression.

Such an expression…

It’s making my heart race too.

What is he doing?

Embarrassing.

Idiot.

Boyan’s an idiot.

I wonder what kind of face I’m making.

Regardless, luckily this time seems to be going well.

I could feel Aya’s intensifying admiration.

-No problem.

Even my intuition seems to be promptly correcting course.

We arrived at the family restaurant along the main street.

It was a two-story building, with the first floor serving as a parking lot.

We climbed the external staircase and entered through the second-floor entrance.

We all headed to a window-side table in the back.

I sat on the aisle side, and Aya took the front seat.

We ordered various dishes, casually joining in the warm family conversation.

As we enjoyed this pleasant time, Aya’s phone vibrated in her pocket.

She took out her phone and looked at it.

Her expression clouded slightly.

“—Tokita-kun?”

Aya’s mother asked casually, as if it were routine.

I noticed Aya’s father, sitting to my right, twitching his cheek.

“Ah… yeah.”

Aya gazed at her phone with a complicated expression.

“When will my Onee-chan go out and take the call?” Hiroto said with a hint of irritation.

Buzz… buzz… The vibration continued.

I dropped my chopsticks into the bowl of salad udon in front of me.

In the past, I might have asked, “When will she go out?” all annoyed.

But now, I was more interested in the concentration of the salad udon broth.

I must admit, the effect of being absolutely sure you can get something is impressive.

After about twenty calls, Aya’s father spoke up.

“Aya, go talk outside.”

Aya groaned, then stood up in resignation.

“Yeah… I’ll be right back.”

Outside the family restaurant, Aya was on the phone.

It was already getting dark outside, so I couldn’t tell what expression she was wearing from here.

After about five minutes, Aya returned.

“What did Tokita-kun want?”

Aya’s mother asked as if it were the most casual question.

“Oh… He said let’s have lunch together tomorrow.”

“Really?”

Aya’s mother replied without much interest.

Aya hadn’t been looking at me since earlier.

The cup in front of her was now empty.

I stood up as I usually would.

“I’ll go get some drinks. Aya, Hiroto-kun, what do you want?”

When this group eats together, I’m usually the one who takes the initiative to get drinks.

“I’ll have cola!” Hiroto ordered, asking for a refill of his cola.

As I took the cup from Hiroto and turned to Aya, I asked, “What do you want, Aya?”

“Just pick for me, I guess.”

It’s been like this since long ago.

Aya’s not good at choosing drinks from vending machines or drink bars.

I can’t quite call it a flaw, but it’s an odd trait.

So, when we’re together, she usually says, “Just pick for me, Boyan!”

“Oh, I’ll go too.”

Aya stood up and said that.

I was slightly surprised.

At the drink bar corner, Aya and I stood side by side.

Both of us were looking at the drink dispenser.

For some reason, it felt like Aya and I were closer than usual.

Maybe it’s because it’s unusual for Aya and me to stand in line at the drink bar.

“School is starting from tomorrow on, huh?”

While turning her cup in her hand, Aya muttered.

Her expression seemed a bit tense.

“Your beloved midterms are coming up soon.”

I said teasingly.

“Ugh… It’s not for a while! Midterms are in October.”

Aya’s face turned annoyed.

It seemed like the tension had slightly eased.

“I see.”

I replied lackadaisically.

“Hey, Boyan…”

“Hmm?”

Aya was looking at me.

With a gaze that seemed to cling.

Like a lost kitten.

‘I… What should I do?’

Aya’s inner voice reached me.

If she were to say that to me…

I would probably answer.

“Break up with Tokita and be with me.”

But Aya didn’t continue speaking. She hesitated to voice her thoughts.

A brief silence.

“Onee-chan, what’s taking you so long to choose?” Hiroto said impatiently.

After receiving the cup from me, he refilled his cola and returned to his seat.

“Should we head back too?”

“Yeah.”

“Among these, Aya would probably…”

I somehow felt that Aya might be looking for carbonated water.

“It’s fine, I’ll choose for myself.”

After some hesitation, Aya poured apple juice into her cup.

- - -

The smartphone clock was already past 9:30.

“Shall we settle the bill?”

Aya’s father declared that it was time to leave.

“Oh, Boyan, I’ll walk you home.”

Aya said with a slightly anxious tone.

Her feelings were coming through.

Wait, Boyan.

Stay at that park a bit longer.

Talk some more.

If possible.

My true desire is to spend more time with Aya.

However, it’s already late.

Before Aya’s parents could scold her, I spoke up.

“It’s getting late, so it’s okay. Sorry, can I get a ride to my place?”

“Of course, your house is nearby.”

Aya’s father looked at me with a relieved expression.

We all gathered near the exit, waiting for Aya’s mother to finish at the counter.

Aya was glancing at the snack corner next to the cashier, looking a bit sulky.

Unnoticed by anyone.

Pretending to be calm.

With a light sigh, I addressed everyone.

“Excuse me, I’ll use the restroom real quick. Please head to the car without me.”

“Sure thing.”

Aya’s father raised his hand and left the family restaurant first.

I nodded slightly and headed to the restroom.

I splashed water on my face.

Looking at the mirror, I met my usual vacant expression.

I can’t help but think I’m doing something audacious.

And yet, I don’t even feel a hint of unease.

Regarding Tokita, there’s no issue.

Even with Aya’s future.

I dried my hands and face with a handkerchief and left the restroom.

Aya’s family was already gone from the payment area.

Heading toward the exit, I pushed open the glass door.

Aya was standing right there.

Her big, sparkling eyes were fixed on me.

They were already glistening.

Aya’s still the same, a crybaby.

I glanced around.

We were on the upper floor, near the staircase.

Fortunately, the surrounding buildings weren’t very tall.

So, you could see a somewhat unimpressive night view.

I thought it was quite the scene to conclude the end of our school trip.

“Boyan… You know.”

Aya’s emotions flowed in.

Starting tomorrow, what should I do?

How should I approach Tokita?

What should I say?

What…

What should I do with you, Boyan?

Together?

Before Aya could say anything more, I sealed her lips.

“Mm… Mmm, wait, Boyan… Mmm, mmm, stop… Boya-“

I pulled Aya closer by her waist, using one hand to secure the back of her head.

Changing angles subtly, I repeatedly kissed her.

I tasted the scent of apple juice as I gently sucked on her soft lips.

“Ah, Boyan… someone might… mmm… mmuuhhh… ngh… chuup… ah… nchu… nchuu…”

No one is coming to the exit, and no one is coming up the stairs.

Neither the restaurant’s customers nor its staff are paying any attention to us.

No one, not a single soul, notices us.

“Nchuahh… ngh… Boyan, Boyan… nghchu… chuu… nreo… churo…”

Aya’s sweet tongue intertwines intensely.

With our tongues, we caress each other’s mouths.

Moving our jaws to the fullest, we ardently desire each other.

Soft. Everything inside Aya’s mouth is soft.

The occasional sigh escaping her is pleasant.

I want to possess everything, quickly.

Exchanging saliva, I use my finger to catch the tears accumulating at the corners of Aya’s eyes.

It’s okay.

There’s no worry.

There’s no uncertainty in this.

There’s a goal at the end of my composed actions.

“Nhnn… nmuahh… ahhnchu… nchu… juruahhnmu… ngh… ngh…”

Through her tongue desperately intertwining with mine, Aya’s anxious feelings flow in.

—I’m scared.

I want to stay here like this.

Forever, like this.

With Boyan.

Don’t go.

Teach me.

What should I do?

It’s all right.

It’s going to be okay.

The urge to say these words is stopped by my intuition.

—Make her anxious.

God’s intuition whispers like a devil.

We continued our long, long kiss until the intuition’s signal cut us off.